2015 was my first year running in Dallas. The 5k went through Fair Park, but the Half Marathon went all around town so I got to see parts of the city I've never seen before. It turns out Dallas is a lot nicer than I expected it to be. (I lived in Austin for several years, and the natural Austin anti-Dallas bias had definitely rubbed off on me.)

Initially I was a bit scared about parking, as I knew many roads were going to be closed (as well as the freeway exit my iPhone kept telling me to take). Fortunately I'd left a little extra time for that, and found a lot that wasn't too far from the finish line and cost less than any of the ones advertised/highlighted. It was also mostly empty. I'm not sure if people took public transit or were dropped off, but there was a TON of parking there (about five blocks from the start).

The course was mostly flat and had a variety of types of scenery, from a little urban renewal to offices to parks. I really liked that some of the entertainment and all of the selfie-stops were Texas-themed, but then I've always said Texas is in love with itself, so I wasn't all that surprised! Selfie-stop options included a giant neon six-shooter, a boot ("cowboy boot" to my fellow Yankee-types), and an oversized hat. (Texans: you could tell who the out-of-state runners were because their selfies were "all hat and no cattle" ha ha!) One of the bands set up an entire faux BBQ joint, complete with a longhorn sculpture/statue (for selfies, of course!) and a smoker. There was a rope trick artist on course.

We ran over this very cool bridge--I forget what it is called, but it is relatively new--and I completely forgot to take a picture. Same with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, who lined the last .05 to the finish line. No picture. How did I do that? Special talent here.

The finish line and festival area were relatively compact (which I like, because I don't want to do a ton of walking when I've just done a race). I was able to pick up my post-race goodies and Remix medal without waiting in any lines. Not sure if that was the status all day, or just for us back-of-the-packers, but the party was still in full swing when I crossed. There were a ton of runners cheering along the last .1 or so, taking group pictures, and hanging out. Unlike the 5k, the half ended with gorgeous weather, sunny and not-too-hot.

This was my third race in Texas, but the first Rock 'n' Roll. It had all the elements you'd expect from a Rock 'n' Roll race (bands, tons of volunteers, obligatory Gu at mile 8, etc.) Personally, I enjoyed my run through Dallas and would happily return. (Cross your fingers and hope Southwest keeps the airfares low, okay?)

For some pictures (but not of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders) and a shot of me with my in-race mocha: http://www.trainwithbain.com/rock-n-roll-dallas-part-2/

Disclosure: I am a member of the 2015 Rock 'n' Blog team. While I don't think that affected my view of this race, it seems only fair to point it out.

http://www.trainwithbain.com/rock-n-roll-runvegas-2014/

I signed up to run this race well in advance, then took a killer group ex class in the morning and slept almost right up to the starting time. Oops. When I woke up there was barely enough time to throw on clothes (and in my sleepiness I put on trail shoes for a 95% paved race, oops). As I was fixing my parking job--about a block away, within view of the start--the race started. Oops.

I headed over to the bib pick-up, and asked if I could still run. (For those that don't know me, I'm in zero danger of finishing the race first, especially since I have a tendency to stop and give belly rubs to cute dogs along the way.) The woman handing out bibs was so nice--OF COURSE I could still run--helped me get a shirt (cute, but limited sizes and they ran very small--I wear a 10-12 and the women's large is snug and has high-water sleeves), and got me over the starting line.

I had a lovely run.

The course itself is a quick loop around Lake Merritt. (My office is right on the lake, and this is more or less the same path the Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders use for the fourth Sunday races, though with a different start/end, so I'm very familiar with it.) While the course wasn't closed, I had no problems and faced no congestion. There was one aid station with water and electrolytes, still staffed by some volunteers. The weather was pretty, and since it was post-afternoon, the temps were dropping around me as I was heating up.

Across the finish line there were awards for fast runners and for costumes. Some of the costumes were amazeballs, like the guy whose costume was a gorilla carrying a giant cage with a cross-legged man inside. (Mind-boggling.) There were also a variety of snacks and drinks aplenty. (Enough that I took home an armful of the sealed beverages for the next week's smoothies at the urging of the sponsors.) Other post-race rah-rah included a DJ and some cheerleaders.

This race was a relaxed run through the one of the hearts of Oakland. It was a relatively small group, and fun to see the clever costumes people created.

EDIT: Please see updated review for 2021. I no longer recommend this race.

This is one of the very best races I've run, hands down. It is a tiny run compared to many (maxes out at 3,500) and unlike many races allows LEGAL bib transfers for a mere $25.

This race is seamless from start to finish. The bib transfer took all of 5 minutes. After I picked up my shirt and bib I tasted some Amy's gluten free pizza, looked at running duds, talking to the Krave jerky people, had a bottle of water and listened to the race director and then Meb!

Race day was also flawless. Initially I was worried because I couldn't score a hotel room at the last minute, so I drove up that morning. No need to be worried, as transportation from Sonoma to Napa was well-organized and easy to access. I hopped on a bus and was at the starting line winery, which had coffee, porta potties, water, stretching area, and the usual.

The course started with a hill near the front, which I kinda hated, but it was the only big-ish hill. Everything was beautiful! Most of the course was on smaller roads, shaded by trees. We ran through vineyards and past gardens and pretty homes. Even though the race was small, there were plenty of people out to cheer on the runners at various points on the course. All aid stations were well-stocked, including the wine "aid" station (which had itty bitty sample cups of red and white wine from one of the sponsors) and the "unofficial Guiness aid station" (which included a number of old pub signs, for selfie purposes).

As the wound its way in towards downtown Sonoma, there were more spectators. Eventually the run hits the park in downtown Sonoma, where the finish line awaits. Finish line food and hydration were plentiful, and the chutes had lots of volunteers. After a banana and some other snacks, and a bottle of water and electrolytes, it was time for the after party!

The after party had live music and wine tastings from a dozen or more wineries. Each finisher received a tasting glass, and we went from line to line, tasting everything. Winners and age group awards are announced from the stage, and many runners were joined by families and kids (who didn't drink wine, though their parents could buy a tasting wristband and glass). The busses back to Napa--where some host hotels were--ran regularly from the square back to Napa through the party and for a short time afterwards.

The "worst" part of this race is that the medal is, in my opinion, a little boring. I loved the shirts, which were a purple-heathered tech material but did not scream "I AM A RUNNING SHIRT." I've worn mine quite a bit, which is unusual for me for race shirts.

No, wait...the "worst" part of this race is that I entered the lottery and didn't get in for 2015. Whomp, whomp (sad trombone noise).

Photos of the shirt, medal. starting line on my blog: http://www.trainwithbain.com/two-runs-through-wine-country/